How does the angular resolution (sharpness) of the images obtained from radio telescopes using very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) compare to the typical angular resolution of optical telescopes?
A) VLBI images are about 10 times less sharp than the best optical images.
B) VLBI images are much sharper.
C) VLBI images are very much less sharp because of the longer wavelength.
D) VLBI images have about the same resolution as the best optical images, about 0.2 arcseconds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

VLBI achieves much sharper images than typical optical telescopes by combining signals from radio telescopes across vast distances, effectively creating a telescope with a diameter as large as the separation between the facilities. This technique overcomes the resolution limitations imposed by the longer wavelengths of radio waves compared to optical light.

How Does the Angular Resolution (Sharpness) of the Images Obtained